Save big on spring break

The weather is getting colder, the fall semester is coming to a close and final papers and projects are starting to pile up. While you're not cracking the books, you may be thinking about an awesome spring break destination.
Although there's still a while until spring break, the earlier you plan your vacation getaway, the cheaper it will be. Sprink break is a peak travel season, so the best deals go fast. If you wait until the last minute to book your trip, there will be limited space available and inflated prices.
When thinking about where your destination will be, there are some things to consider.
The top Spring Break destinations include:

• Cancun
• Acapulco
• Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, etc.)
• Ski resorts (such as Aspen, Whistler and Jackson Hole in Colorado)
• Jamaica

Check out travel Web sites such as Travelocity, Hotwire, Expedia, Priceline and Orbitz to find the best deal for your destination. Many companies offer special discounts for college students, so be sure to keep an eye out when choosing a travel company. But beware of travel scams, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
When searching these sites, be sure to look at all inclusive packages, which usually include airfare, hotel, food and sometimes even activities and other deals. Although these may look more expensive, in the long run you will save loads of money and won't have to deal with as many surprise expenses, as everything is planned and booked for you. If you decide to travel abroad, be sure to look at hostel options, these are cheap alternatives to hotels.

If you are a little strapped for cash this spring break, or are just looking for a fun alternative, consider these less expensive options:

• Road Trip - Although gas prices are on the rise, this is still a cost effective alternative. If you get a car full of friends together, and split the cost of gas (and the driving) it will be cheaper in the long run. You can try and pile your whole crew in one or two inexpensive hotel or motel rooms along the way, or even stay with friends or family if you happen to be driving through their area. Be sure to plan ahead to see all the memorable roadside attractions.
• Camping - Of course, this is only an option of you live somewhere that is warm all year long, or if you are willing to drive to some place that is. If you're the outdoors-y type, this is a great option. You and a group of friends can either all chip in to rent a cabin, or all split the cost of a campsite. Find some options here and here.
• Staycation - If you're not up for a long road trip, you can always look to see what attractions are around your area. You might be surprised at what you find. Day trips are just as fun and less expensive than conventional road trips.
• Volunteer - A growing trend is to relax over Spring Break and make a difference at the same time. Check out i-to-i for international volunteer activities. Check out Habitat for Humanity, The Red Cross, or Volunteer Match for other volunteer activities in your area.

Whatever destination you decide on, be sure to be smart with your money, find the best deals and have fun.

The NFL is Getting "Wild"

Since week 3 of the National Football League (NFL) season when the Miami Dolphins blew out the defending American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots; the "Wildcat" offense that was so successful for the Dolphins has spread to other teams all over the NFL. The Wildcat offense is now getting more calls than Young Jeezy's hit track "I Put On" at the introduction of NFL games. And if you don't get my analogy trust me, that's a lot of play.

In the past two weeks the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles have scored touchdowns and many other teams including the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns have implemented plays from the formation into their playbook. None have had the success that Miami has had; the Dolphins have scored 12 touchdowns since they have started using the Wildcat, and have an 5-2 record after their 0-2 start.

The Wildcat formation is defined by having a position player other than the quarterback line up under center and take the snap. From there the possibilities are seemingly endless, we have quarterbacks catching touchdown passes, runningbacks throwing them, and receivers doing, well who knows? As Vince Lombardi would say in his oh-so-overused sound bite, "What the hell is going on out here!"

Well the Wildcat offense's roots come back from even before the days of the constantly annoyed former Green Bay Packers coach. When football first started being played back in the leatherhead days, (no offense George Clooney, but your performance in "Leatherheads" was comparable to Bernie Mac's in Mr. 3000) what is now called the Wildcat formation was the norm. The best athlete on the team took the ball directly from the center and was the primary playmaker.

In today's more sophisticated defenses, its only a matter of time until they figure out a way slow down this formation that is taking the league by storm. But don't tell the Ronnie Brown and the Miami Dolphins that, they scored two more touchdowns from that formation this week, and have won three straight games for the first time since 2003.

Wii Fitness

I personally never had a Nintendo, nor any other form of gaming system. As a child I felt pretty deprived...and when I came to college and had still yet to play a video game. It goes without saying that I got some laughs. But most people have grown up with said systems. And most people have heard their parents yell at them countless times to go outside and do something more productive and active. Well, perhaps now with the Wii parents will start telling us to calm down so we don't bust the TV screen!



While some people have lost weight due to the Wii hand held device, the newest model is promising even greater benefits.
The Wii Fit offers skiing, tennis, golf, yoga, soccer, and even hula hooping. Yes. Hula hooping--the next Olympic sport? I wouldn't be surprised.
All of this is possible through the Wii Fit balance board. You simply stand, or position yourself, on this platform and perform the moves dictated to you. It can't get any simpler! All of the exercises are based on four different fitness categories: Aerobic exercises, balance games, muscle conditioning and yoga poses.



At least with the Wii Fit we don't need to worry about breaking any TVs! And it provides the convenience of exercising inside during the coming colder months!

I can't imagine what they are going to come out with next.

Clip coupons, cut costs

So the other day I was walking through my local grocery store, and I couldn't believe how high the cost of food is. I don't live on campus, so I don't have the luxury of a meal plan or dining hall within walking distance. Besides bills and gas, each month a majority of my money goes toward groceries. Having a dining hall close by and not having to cook my own food are definately things I miss about living on campus. But I try to only buy things that are on sale or I try to go to a discount food store (like Aldi's). But sometimes it's difficult, not to mention time consuming, to find items that are on sale in the store.

And this is when I had an epiphany. My mom cuts coupons like its her job. Clipping coupons from the Sunday paper is the most exciting event of her week. But unfortunately, I don't have access to a Sunday newspaper, unless I buy it (which is just spending more money). Lo and behold, there are tons of coupon sites online, where you can go to print out coupons for major food brands and grocery stores. Some even feature coupons specifically for online shopping, and find the best deals on the web. Here are some of the better ones I've found:

• Cool Savings -- This site is great. It has coupons for pretty much anything you're looking for, including grocery coupons, pet coupons, rebate opportunities, health and beauty offers, travel offers, and clothing and accessory sales. You can choose to print out the coupons, or you can use certain coupons and offers at online stores. The only downside? You have to register to see all the coupons and offers available.
• CouponMom -- Features coupons for food and restaurants, as well as free samples and free offers. Users can print out or use coupons for online stores.
• Coupons.com -- This site features coupons for groceries, entertainment, personal care, pet care and restaurants among other things. Coupons can either be printed out or used online. You can even enter your zip code to see special deals in your area. As you check the coupons you want to print, you can see the amount you are saving added up in the left hand corner. To print, you do have to install a special coupon printer on your computer, but the site ensures there is no third party, adware or spyware within this program.

Another great tool I found is GroceryGuide. All you do is enter your zip code, and then select up to two grocery stores in your area to compare prices and see sales at each. This really saves you the time of driving all around town to get the best deals. You can see all the best deals online for free.

Utilizing coupons, whether you cut them the traditional way, or use printable ones from online, is quick easy, and can save you tons of money in the long run.

Nusic Mews!

Well, people, the election is taking up all of the good news this week. Don't worry though, there's still a bit to report, and not all of it is bad!

More important than anything else this week was the news that The Beatles will finally have their own video game. Digital Beatles music has been extremely scarce since computers were invented, so it's nice to see their library expand. Even better is the news that Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko , and George's wife Olivia will all be personally involved with the game's vision. All the music will come from the original master recordings, and (original Beatles' producer) George Martin's son Giles will be producing it. I'm excited.

Legendary record producer Phil Spector is on trial again for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson. You may remember the first trial ended with a deadlocked jury. Hopefully this one will be more conclusive.

Speaking of crazy people on trial, Michael Jackson is busy denying his involvement in the upcoming Jackson 5 reunion. Jermaine went ahead and announced his brother would be on board anyways, and now Michael has to deal with those rumors. Poor, rich Michael Jackson.

Now that we're on the issue of unappealing reunion tours, Led Zeppelin plans on touring without Jimmy Page. They're looking at the lead singer of Altered Bridge right now, a.k.a. the guy who took over for Scott Stapp when he left Creed.
This is just bad. Really bad. Led Zepp without Jimmy Page is pointless. It would be like Queen touring without Freddie Mercury.
Oh wait...

Def Jam Records' executive Shakir Stewart was found dead on Saturday. Details are very scarce at the moment, but some cite suicide as the cause. I'll fill you in more as details emerge.

But that's not the saddest news of this week. No, not by a long shot. You see, dear readers, Bono was planning on building the tallest skyscraper in all of Ireland right in the middle of Dublin ad he was going to name it the U2 Tower. It was even going to have a recording studio at the top! The credit crisis ruined his plans though. Now he'll have wait in one of his mansions or on an island cruise for 12 months until the project is picked up again. We should all keep unfortunate Bono in our prayers this week.


Here's your funny. Have a nice week.